Synopsis:
Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.
The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.
When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.
Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.
But when cattle start dying and Laurel’s life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom—he needs her love and care too.

Rating: 5-stars

Review:

An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray is a stunning tale. One that will captivate readers from the start. It hooked me. I love a good romance tale and this one proved to be just what I was looking for…

A young woman lost her family and needs help to protect her property. One woman can’t do it all. She’s strong, pretty, and caring too. The man she hires to help her…proves worthy of her chance on him.

Thomas is man whose life was not good. He meets one determined woman to help him, if he helps her with some work. She pays his debt for an exchange of work on her property. Thomas thinks he can just do the work and then leave Laurel. But then his plan goes to hell…

Danger occurs. Animals are dying…and threats are coming in…Laurel is in a bad spot. Thomas knows there’s no way he can leave her now…he stays to help fight for her. However, doing so…will ruin his second plan. To stay distant from her…but love comes knocking his world apart, as well as Laurel’s.

An Uncommon Protector is by far a sweet, clean, and addictive read. I love Shelley Shepard Gray’s writing. Her characters felt so real…and their story wrapped itself deeper into my soul…overall, I highly recommend this novel to all.